Sometimes in life terrible things happen; this can be hard to accept, but it is undeniably true. I hope to maintain your innocence for as long as possible, but I also want to be honest with you so that you will always have a realistic perspective on life. However, I have no idea how I will ever explain that there are people in this world who are so full of hate that they would literally blow themselves up to hurt other people. I can’t fully comprehend this myself, so how can I possibly get your young mind and innocent heart to understand? I don’t want to, but somehow I will find a way.

I stare into your deep blue eyes and I feel so absolutely overwhelmed with love that it hurts. I will never know how someone could want to hurt you, or to hurt any innocent person for that matter. Perhaps it is not for us to understand, but we must somehow carry on and believe in the good so these people do not win. We must be good to those around us and not let the darkness of the world harden our spirit or our hearts. We must persevere, for you see, sweet angel, there will always be bad things happening and it is up to us how we choose to live our lives. Is it not wise to be the light, and to balance out the age-old tale of good vs. evil in our one life to live? I believe it is, and I will always guide you on that path, until you are old enough to choose one of your own. 

Mommy is here, Mommy is here always”

It is my goal in life, not to shield you from life’s atrocities, but to prepare you for them. To love you hard and full enough that you know no matter what happens, you always have a safe haven in me. If I could carry you forever, I would, but one day you will be as old as I am and it will be your turn to protect your little one’s from the hurt in this world. My job will be done, and you will know exactly what it felt like to live in a world full of hate, when you feel so much love. It is hard, Dear one, but don’t lose faith. There is always something to look forward to, always hope to be found. 

Someday you will hold your child in your arms the way I hold you now, with your ocean-blue eyes, curly red hair, and your sweet, milky skin on mine. You nuzzle safely into my arms and suckle from my breasts night after night and I know that nothing in this world matters more than these moments. I would do anything, anything, to protect you and keep you safe. I will always be here for you, never forget that.  I love you a million times more than the hatred that consumes so many, and love will always win. 

So tonight as you close your eyes and fall asleep in my arms like you have done so many times before, I will whisper sweetly, “Sleep now, little one, your Mommy is here. Mommy is here, always.”

To the parents out there who are afraid, or are unsure of how to raise a child in a world capable of  evil, find solace in the little things. Hold your little one and know that you have experienced that most beautiful thing that life has to offer: love. In the wise words of John Lennon:

“All you need is love, love is all you need.”

Be sure to join us in our social media accounts to be up to date with the progress of our project!

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #BreastfeedingWorld 

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Lissa James

Hi! I’m Lissa James, currently living and loving in Seattle, Wa. I blog mainly about my experience breastfeeding, as well as attachment parenting, and postpartum anxiety and depression. I hope to encourage and empower other women through my writing. I am a Potterhead/The X-Files junkie, and I love to read and paint. I am currently writing and illustrating a children’s book about breastfeeding! Find me on instagram @bumblebeelullabies and find my mama mermaid art @mermamame!

bumblebeelullabies.wordpress.com/

The post A Letter to my Daughter: Mommy is Here appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Image courtesy of Babycenter.com

I did not know until starting therapy a few months ago, that I also have P.T.S.D. and Bipolar Disorder, which acted as a stimulant of sorts for my Postpartum Depression and Anxiety. I have had to find alternative ways to rewire my brain because I know I need to get better, but I don’t want my daughter getting medication through my breastmilk. There are antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications that are deemed safe while breastfeeding*, but it is a personal choice for me. Ultimately what I have found to work is doing yoga, going to therapy, writing, and painting. I think it is a great mixture because it covers all of the bases mentally, spiritually, and physically. Writing and painting happen to be something that fulfill me and make me happy; If you are seeking similar treatment but don’t enjoy either of these things, that is ok! Making time for anything that brings you joy will suffice. The point is to quiet your mind and feel like yourself again.

I started painting in high school, but stopped when I got pregnant because of the chemicals involved. Finally when I reached 12 months postpartum, I felt seriously inspired to start painting again and I decided to try watercolor instead of my usual acrylic oils, because it is less dangerous to use around my baby. I have been painting again for a few months and it has amazingly turned into a way for me to work from home, while also fulfilling my need to create.

One of my Mermaids in progress. You can find more on instagram @mermamame

Around the time I started painting again, I began going to therapy as well. It took 3 months to finally go to an appointment without my daughter, but I am slowly gaining more courage and realizing that the sessions are more productive when I’m not distracted by my active toddler. Finally being able to leave home for an hour without her is proof of the progress I have made and it has been a good reminder for me that she will be ok even if I am not around. She has a great time with her dad and usually doesn’t even notice that I am gone! Talk about a reality-check.

Yoga is my latest endeavour and I can say that it is the perfect treatment for anxiety and depression! The practice, with ancient roots in India, aims to quiet the mind, and build strength both mentally, physically, and spiritually. Finding balance and peace from within, breathing out toxins and stress, it relaxes and restores the mind, making healing possible. I have gone four times so far and already I feel stronger. Whenever I start feeling sad or angry, I know it’s time to grab my mat and hit the studio. The practice of yoga itself helps to calm my fears and feel strength from within, easing the anxiety of being away from my daughter.

Image courtesy of Spiritvoyage.com

When we exercise it releases feel good endorphins that help to correct the chemical imbalance that causes depression. Yoga is especially helpful for depression and anxiety because of the focus on deep breathing, clearing the mind, reaching within, and strengthening the body and mind. Yoga also builds important core strength and restores balance, which is especially important after having a baby because of the changes our bodies have gone through.

I am very fortunate that I have been able to see improvements with natural treatment, although I know it will be a long road. I still have setbacks and bad days, but knowing that what I am dealing with is a true mental illness makes it easier to understand and cope with. I am smiling more, loving harder, and feeling more hope than I have in a long time.

My family on a recent outing to the Pumpkin Patch!

Whatever course of alternative treatment you choose, try to be aware of whether or not you see improvements after a couple of months. Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all for motherhood, and the same certainly applies to Postpartum Depression and Anxiety. For some people, alternative treatment will not be enough, but can aid greatly in healing when paired with medication.  Know your limits, and know that you are not alone. 

Image courtesy of BotanicalBuddha.com

There is hope for us all and we will see the light again. Know your limits, reach within and begin to heal. You are not alone; we are in this together.

Be sure to join us in our social media accounts to be up to date with the progress of our project!

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #BreastfeedingWorld 

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*To inquire on whether a medication is safe while breastfeeding, please speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or  read here for more information. If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or your child, please seek help immediately as you may be suffering from a more serious form of PPD known as Postpartum Psychosis.

Lissa James

Hi! I’m Lissa James, currently living and loving in Seattle, Wa. I blog mainly about my experience breastfeeding, as well as attachment parenting, and postpartum anxiety and depression. I hope to encourage and empower other women through my writing. I am a Potterhead/The X-Files junkie, and I love to read and paint. I am currently writing and illustrating a children’s book about breastfeeding! Find me on instagram @bumblebeelullabies and find my mama mermaid art @mermamame!

bumblebeelullabies.wordpress.com/

The post Holistic Treatment for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety appeared first on Breastfeeding World.